We no longer use flatbed scanners on a normal basis, as our overhead camera setups are much faster and make smaller files. Potentially, a flatbed might still be used to capture extremely high quality scans of flat materials. This information is retained for that eventuality.

Instructions:

Make sure scanner is turned on.

Open Epson Scan software.

Check default settings.

If you are unsure of the proper naming convention for the project you are working on, check the name in the Tracking Filenames spreadsheet located in the Organization folder on the Shared Drive. For more information on file naming conventions, see File naming schemes.

Before beginning scanning, set up a folder where the scans will be saved. On the Local (C:) Drive on your computer, chose the Digital Programs folder. From here you can make a new folder to save your scans.

To begin the scanning process, place the document on the scanner and close the lid. Click the preview button in the Epson Scan software.

When the preview has completed, use the marquee tool in the preview area to choose only the portions of the scanner the document covers with a bit of space on each side. The more space to be scanned, the longer the scan will take, so this step helps us to make the most efficient use of our time.

When you have chosen the area to be scanned, click the Scan button in the Epson Scan software.

Before the scan begins, a window will pop up to confirm file save settings.

Where to save scans: Choose "other" and browse for the folder you have already created on the C: drive.

Filenames: Set prefix and start number. Note that the "start number" field is limited to 3 digits, so you will have to consider this when setting the prefix. For example, the prefix would need to be u0003_0000753_0000004_0 and the start number would be 001, so when put together, the filename would appear as u0003_0000753_0000004_0001.

Image format: Should be set to TIFF.

When these settings are correct, click OK.

Once the scan is completed, it will open automatically. Drag the image into PhotoShop for optimization. Previously created PhotoShop actions are used in optimization. More information about actions can be found.

Once optimization has been completed, the scan will be saved.

Because scanning time on the flatbed scanners can run anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes per scan, it is ideal that you optimize one scan while another is scanning. This provides for the most efficient use of time.